The Secret Work of the Hermetic Philosophy

103The four degrees of fire are called the fire of the bath, of ashes, of coals, and of flame, which is also called optetic. Each degree has its own points, at least two, sometimes three. Fire must be moved gradually and point by point, whether increased or diminished, so that, following nature’s example, the matter may advance gradually and of its own accord towards formation and completion. For nothing is so foreign to Nature as violence. Let the Philosopher therefore set before himself for contemplation the Sun’s slow approach and retreat: its torch and lamp grant heat and impart temperateness to the things of the World according to the seasons and the laws of the Universe.